Nestled within the lush landscape of Nosara, Costa Rica, the Costa Rica Athletic Center emerges as an extension of the Gilded Iguana Hotel, offering a harmonious blend of activity and nature. Designed by Studio Saxe, this athletic center serves as a vibrant hub where locals and visitors alike converge to pursue an active lifestyle and holistic wellbeing.
Fostering Community and Wellbeing
Located amidst verdant trees, the Athletic Center serves as a communal space that seamlessly integrates retail, sports, and leisure activities. With offerings including a surf shop, bike shop, gym, and various studios for activities such as Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, and massages, the center caters to individuals seeking adventure and wellness in Costa Rica’s breathtaking surroundings.
Harmonizing Human Activity with Nature
Studio Saxe envisioned the center as a symbiotic ecosystem where human activity coexists harmoniously with the natural environment. To achieve this, the design breaks down the building mass into smaller components, carefully weaving them around existing trees and wildlife. Bridges and pathways connect these spaces, creating an intricate network that invites exploration and connection with nature while providing respite from the tropical sun.
Sustainable Construction and Design
In line with its commitment to environmental stewardship, the Athletic Center employs a modular construction approach that minimizes disruption to the natural landscape. A lightweight steel structure, prefabricated off-site, ensures minimal impact during construction while maximizing efficiency. Clad in reforested teak wood with expansive glass walls, the center blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering immersive views of the surrounding vegetation.
Environmental Responsibility and Innovation
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project, with features such as long roof overhangs that collect rainwater for reuse, durable materials for structural integrity, and bioclimatic design strategies that optimize energy efficiency. By prioritizing the preservation of existing vegetation and integrating eco-friendly practices, the Costa Rica Athletic Center stands as a testament to responsible architecture that honors both the natural landscape and the well-being of its users.
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